Diabetic toe protectors

Abstract

A toe protector for protecting the toe and sores or bunions on the foot of a patient from irritation, abrasion, and impact, so as to promote healing is disclosed. The toe protector comprises a generally tubular body sized to substantially cover a toe of the user. The device is preferably fabricated from a soft, FDA approved silicon material, in a double-walled tubular configuration wherein inner and outer layers form an interstitial space. The interstitial space is filled with substance, such as a liquid or gel. A flap extends along the inside portion of the foot and includes a recessed portion sized and positioned for covering relation with bunions on the metatarsophalangeal joint or other sores. According to another aspect, the present invention provides a foot protector to be worn on the foot of a patient. The foot protector preferably incorporates one or more water-filled toe protectors as generally described above. Each of the embodiments may define a plurality of ventilation holes formed by welding of inner and outer portions.

1 . A toe protector to be worn on the foot of a patient, the toe protector comprising: 
 a tubular double-walled body wherein radially inner and outer walls define an interstitial space;    a substance filling said interstitial space;    a distal end defining an opening in the body for exposing a distal end portion of the patient's big toe;    a proximal opening in the body for insertion of the patient's big toe;    said body proximal end including an elongate flap for covering at least a portion of the metatarsophalangeal joint.    
   
   
       2 . A toe protector according to  claim 1 , further including a strap for securing said body to the patient's foot.  
   
   
       3 . A toe protector according to  claim 1 , wherein said elongate flap defines a recess defined by a concave surface.  
   
   
       4 . A toe protector according to  claim 1 , further including at least one air vent defined by said double-walled body.  
   
   
       5 . A toe protector according to  claim 1 , wherein said substance is a gel.  
   
   
       6 . A toe protector according to  claim 1 , wherein said substance is liquid.  
   
   
       7 . A toe protector according to  claim 6 , wherein said liquid is water.  
   
   
       8 . A toe protector to be worn on the foot of a patient, the toe protector comprising: 
 a tubular double-walled body wherein radially inner and outer walls define an interstitial space therebetween;    a substance filling said interstitial space;    a distal end defining an opening in the body for exposing a distal end portion of the patient's big toe;    a proximal opening in the body for insertion of the patient's big toe;    said body proximal end including an elongate flap for covering at least a portion of the metatarsophalangeal joint;    said elongate flap having a surface disposed generally adjacent to the patient's foot, said surface having a concave portion disposed in covering relation with a sore on the patient's foot.    
   
   
       9 . A toe protector according to  claim 8 , further including a strap for securing said body to the foot of a patient.  
   
   
       10 . A toe protector according to  claim 8 , wherein said substance comprises a gel.  
   
   
       11 . A toe protector according to  claim 8 , wherein said substance is liquid.  
   
   
       12 . A toe protector according to  claim 11 , wherein said liquid is water.